GI Bill pushes Seton Hill to aid veterans

In response to the new GI Bill, also known as the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, “Seton Hill University will be the first Westmoreland County university to provide full tuition benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents,” wrote Kary Coleman in a press release on the Seton Hill University (SHU) website. Any veterans who served at least three years since September 11, 2001 are eligible. 11 SHU students currently receive aid via the current GI Bill. Although SHU is the first university in Westmorland County to participate in the program, Saint Vincent is looking to participate as well.

By Jessie Krehlik

Staff Writer

In response to the new GI Bill, also known as the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, “Seton Hill University (SHU) will be the first Westmoreland County university to provide full tuition benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents,” wrote Kary Coleman in a press release on the SHU website. Any veterans who served at least three years since September 11, 2001 are eligible. 11 SHU students currently receive aid via the current GI Bill. Although SHU is the first university in Westmorland County to participate in the program, Saint Vincent is looking to participate as well.

The program covers the student’s tuition up to a specific amount set up by the state, but if the student’s tuition exceeds the designated amount, the program will cover a portion of the balance due. “Here’s where Seton Hill steps in,” said Barbara Hinkle, vice president for enrollment services and registrar. “We have promised to pick up the remainder of the Yellow Ribbon student’s tuition bill.”

Although legislation approved the program in late 2008, the Veteran’s Affairs office did not ask SHU to participate until some time in February. Higher education institutions can participate in the program on a voluntary basis. “The President’s Council discussed this program and we decided to participate fully in it because we believe that it is a way to assist students who have served our country, and their family members, to get a Seton Hill education, to make that option available to them,” said Hinkle. SHU also participated in the first GI Bill program passed after World War II.

According to Connie Beckel, associate registrar, the monthly housing allowance is equivalent to the allowance offered to an E-5 with dependents. The allowance for books and supplies can be as much as $1,000 annually. “The percentage level ranges from 40 percent of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and months, to 90 percent for those who served between 30 and 36 months. For example, an individual with five months of qualifying service could receive 40 percent of the tuition benefit, 40 percent of the monthly housing allowance, and a maximum of $400 books and supplies stipend,” said Beckel.

The program will take effect for the Fall 2009 semester. “This is a wonderful opportunity provided to those who have served in the military, and we want to help students make full use of it,” said Hinkle.